The Special Operations Battalion (), or popularly BSD was founded on 8 September 2000 when the Special Combat Skills Center from Šepurine and the 1st Croatian Guard Brigade (, a component of the 1st Croatian Guards Corps) were amalgamated. Today, it is one of the most elite units of the Croatian Armed Forces, as well as being one of the best trained and equipped special forces units in the region. It, along with other Croatian Special Forces units, has the unique benefit in the region of having a command cadre with victorious combat experience in a full-scale war.